Mountain Hydrangea Hydrangea serrata 'Shojo'
ABOUT
The hydrangea 'Shojo' is a visually captivating plant known for its beautiful, showy flowers. These flowers most often display shades of blue or pink depending on the soil pH, with acidic soils bringing out the blue tones and alkaline soils favoring pink hues. They are typically lacecap in form, meaning they possess a flat flowerhead with small fertile flowers in the center surrounded by larger sterile flowers around the margins, creating a picturesque, delicate appearance. The leaves of this hydrangea are of a deep, lush green color, providing a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers. These leaves are serrated on the edges, with a textured, slightly rough feel to them. During the fall, the foliage may acquire a reddish tinge, adding to the plant's interest. As the seasons change, the hue of the flowers can also transition, potentially developing purplish or reddish highlights before the petals drop. This adds to the dynamic and evolving beauty of the 'Shojo' hydrangea in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae
Synonyms
Mountain Hydrangea, Tea of Heaven
Common names
Hydrangea serrata 'Shojo'
ToxicityTo humans
Mountain hydrangea is considered mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can lead to difficulty breathing, dizziness, a rapid heart rate, seizures, and even coma. However, significant poisoning from hydrangeas is rare in humans, as large quantities would need to be consumed to cause serious effects.
To pets
Mountain hydrangea is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, for the same reasons it is toxic to humans. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when ingested. If a pet consumes parts of a mountain hydrangea, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and depression. In more serious cases, it can potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention. Pet owners should prevent their animals from chewing on or ingesting any part of the hydrangea plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Hydrangea serrata 'Shojo', commonly known as mountain hydrangea, produces beautiful lacecap flowers that range in color from pink to blue depending on soil pH, adding visual interest to gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant offers a long blooming season from late spring through summer, providing a prolonged period of color in garden spaces.
- Landscape Versatility: Mountain hydrangea is suitable for a variety of landscape uses including foundation planting, borders, and as a specimen plant or in mass planting for dramatic effect.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, which can help to increase the pollination of nearby plants.
- Hardiness: Hydrangea serrata 'Shojo' is generally hardy and capable of thriving in zones 6 through 9, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Shade Tolerance: Mountain hydrangea is tolerant of partial shade, making it an excellent choice for gardens with varying light conditions.
- Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care besides occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote vigorous flowering.
- Fall Foliage: In addition to its attractive flowers, the hydrangea provides interest in the fall with leaves that turn shades of red or yellow.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: The vibrant flowers of Hydrangea serrata, commonly known as mountain hydrangea, can be cut and used in floral arrangements to provide a burst of color and unique texture.
- Dye Manufacturing: Historically, the leaves and flowers of the mountain hydrangea have been used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of colors from pale green to blue.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers, when properly treated, could potentially be used as a decorative element in upscale culinary presentations for their aesthetic appeal.
- Photography Subject: Their picturesque form makes mountain hydrangeas a popular subject for photographers, particularly in the realm of nature and botanical photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking appearance of mountain hydrangeas can serve as a muse for artists, inspiring paintings, illustrations, and textile patterns.
- Craft Projects: Dried hydrangea flowers can be used in various craft projects, from creating wreaths to decorative potpourri.
- Garden Design: Mountain hydrangeas can be utilized as a natural fence or border within garden designs, contributing both privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- Educational Tool: Hydrangea serrata can serve as an educational tool in botany and horticulture courses, demonstrating plant adaptation and variety.
- Erosion Control: When planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion, the root system of mountain hydrangeas can help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Horticultural Grafting: Hydrangea serrata varieties can be used in grafting practices to create new and viable hybrids with desirable traits such as unique flower colors or shapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude for Understanding: Hydrangeas are often given as a token of appreciation for someone’s deep understanding, which makes it a common gift to express heartfelt thanks.
- Heartfelt Emotions: The abundant flower heads symbolize the many emotions that can fill someone’s heart, from love to sorrow, mirroring the mixed feelings humans often experience.
- Apologetic Gestures: In some contexts, hydrangeas can represent an apology, or a wish to make amends, as the plant’s expansive nature may suggest a desire to cover a broad emotional distance.
- Boastfulness or Vanity: Based on one interpretation from a Japanese legend, the hydrangea can symbolize boastfulness or bragging, reminding us to remain humble.
- Frigidity or Heartlessness: Some Victorian symbolism associates the plant with a cold or unfeeling disposition, potentially as a warning to the recipient about a lack of empathy.
WaterMountain Hydrangea should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to become moist but not saturated. Generally, watering about once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant is adequate, but this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to 2-3 times a week. Ensure that the plant has good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightMountain Hydrangea prefers partial shade, particularly in the afternoon, to protect it from intense sunlight. Morning sun with dappled afternoon shade is ideal. Avoid placing in deep shade or full sun as it may impede growth and bloom production.
TemperatureMountain Hydrangea thrives in a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F but can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F and as high as 90°F. Protect the plant from extreme temperatures, providing extra insulation during cold winters, and ensure it has adequate water during hot summers.
PruningPrune Mountain Hydrangea after it blooms to maintain shape and size, typically in late summer or early fall. Removing spent blooms and dead branches encourages new growth and larger flowers for the next season. Avoid extensive pruning in spring as this can remove emerging flower buds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain Hydrangea prefers well-draining, moist soil with high organic matter content. The best soil mix would be a combination of peat, compost, and pine bark, providing acidity and fertility. The soil pH should be maintained around 5.5 to 6.5 to ensure optimal growth and bloom color.
RepottingMountain Hydrangea should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root crowding and replenish nutrients. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while mature plants can be repotted less often if they're in large enough containers.
Humidity & MistingMountain Hydrangea thrives at higher humidity levels between 60% and 70%. To maintain these conditions, especially indoors, employ a humidifier or mist the plant regularly.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, shelter from strong winds and afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleHydrangea serrata 'Shojo', commonly known as mountain hydrangea, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature to produce a small seedling. As it grows, the seedling develops a root system and shoots, eventually forming a young plant with characteristic leaves. In the maturity stage, the mountain hydrangea typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of pink or blue flowers depending on the soil pH. After pollination, flowers may develop into seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the plant's foliage continues to expand and may need pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooming. As temperatures drop in the fall, the mountain hydrangea enters dormancy, shedding leaves and conserving energy until the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Hydrangea serrata 'Shojo', commonly known as the mountain hydrangea, is through softwood cuttings. This process is typically carried out in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still soft and flexible. Gardeners select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut pieces of about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) in length, ensuring each cutting has at least two pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, the cuttings are placed in a mix of peat and perlite to root, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Cuttings are usually kept in a bright area with indirect sunlight until roots develop, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before eventually being moved outdoors.
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